Toronto-based indie singer-songwriter Doug MacNaughton’s newest single “I Believe in Love,” out now. The track serves as the sixth single off his eagerly anticipated debut album Old Enough To Know Better.
Written back in 2018, the new single is a heartfelt testament to how love can get us through anything. As it stands on the album, “I Believe In Love” showcases MacNaughton’s big heart and ability to compose with cinematic flair, featuring an expansive melody and a soaring electric guitar.
“Somehow,” MacNaughton recalls, “It turned into an ‘80s power ballad, and Jessica Stuart contributed a killer solo!”
On “Old Enough To Know Better,” MacNaughton ties together eight tracks with one message– Human connection and the matters of the heart are our best compass to navigate through the hardships of loneliness, loss and a divisive political climate. With “I Believe In Love,” he doubles down on defending the power of love to any naysayers, with lyrics such as:
Love is stronger than distance;
Stronger than time
Not bound by this red tape,
Or these forms we’ve got to sign
Born and raised in Brandon, Manitoba, Doug MacNaughton approaches his debut release as a seasoned musician. His musical journey began in school bands and choirs, but it was the discovery of Mike Oldfield’s groundbreaking 1973 album, Tubular Bells, that ignited his deep interest in music.
“I loved it that the same person played all the instruments!” he remembers. “I still have that same admiration for people like Joni Mitchell, Cassandra Wilson, Garth Hudson, John Paul Jones, and the list could go on.”
Driven by a desire to become a distinguished jazz-rock guitarist in the vein of Frank Zappa, Steve Howe, or Mahavishnu John McLaughlin, MacNaughton embarked on a path to higher education at Brandon University, where he faced a pivotal choice between classical guitar and vocal studies. Ultimately, he chose the latter, but continues to pursue his musical aspirations with an unwavering commitment to artistic versatility.
“Old Enough To Know Better” expertly demonstrates MacNaughton’s evolution as an artist with multi-eclectic influences. MacNaughton’s songwriting is a product of his wide range of professional experiences, including his involvement in a Frank Zappa tribute concert alongside a Montreal-based electronic music ensemble, his time in Les Misérables, and his creative contributions to numerous stage productions.
With Doug MacNaughton’s rich blend of experience, inspiration, and long-cultivated talents, “Old Enough To Know Better” is poised to be a debut release with a lasting impression.
